Archives

Article on Top

My Guest

Radical thinking

Posted by primastuti dewi on June 21, 2010

Are you looking for new ideas? Has your path reached a dead-end?
Are your options limited, or just invisible? Often the way we experience the world is built on and bordered by our experiences! When we find ourselves in a situation, we form solutions with “shortcuts” based upon patterns we have “learned” in our lives. Most of the time, these shortcuts serve us well by providing answers based upon how we have solved problems in our past. They provide efficient rules that guide us in decision making and problem solving. This is also called a heuristic approach to learning, discovery, and problem solving.

However, these rules also can lock us into stereotypes, pre-conceived ideas, and uncritical analysis. When they are not helpful, one strategy or approach can be radical thinking, an approach to creatively engage with options!

Perhaps radical thinking may help you generate new ideas? Let’s try this radical three-screen process.

First, briefly summarize your situation or challenge.

Now list three radical “O’s” or options
Think quickly and creatively. Think in terms of opposites, even contradictions.
Brainstorm your way out-of-the-box!

For each radical O, 1 – 3, enter up to three middle “O’s” or options.

Prioritize the M-O’s after printing to consider the best solutions.

<!–

Re-start

–> // <![CDATA[//

Situation example 1:
My elderly grandmother can’t get to the phone in emergencies.
Opposite mode: Move her out of her house to assistive living.
One option mode: get a wireless device for her to wear that calls.

Situation example 2:
I talk too much
Opposite mode: I will be silent.
One option mode: I will practice active listening.

Situation example 3:
I am disorganized.
Opposite mode: I will do nothing.
One option mode: I will create and prioritize a “to-do list” for a few items and ignore the rest.